When To Be Concerned About Braxton Hicks Contractions?

What are braxton hicks?

Braxton-Hicks contractions are the type of contractions that simulates the actual ones and helps the body prepare for delivery. They do not, however, result in labor. True contractions occur only when the body is in the process of going into labor. Braxton-Hick’s contractions are named after the physician who had originally characterized them. They are kind of like practice contractions that prepare your body and make it ready for the arrival of your baby, but they are not the actual thing. Understanding the differences between these types of contractions are quite crucial for determining when your labor has started and when you need to seek medical help.

Real contractions work as an alarm clock for you while you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, signaling to you that you are about to go into labor. Braxton hick’s contractions, on the other hand, can sometimes be a false alarm.

All pregnancies include Braxton Hicks contractions. Each woman’s experience is completely different and unique. Braxton Hicks contractions are most noticeable in your third trimester, but some women notice them as early as the second trimester. Braxton Hick contractions near the end of the third trimester of pregnancy are sometimes misinterpreted as the start of actual labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are supposed to help tone your uterine muscle in preparation for labor and delivery. Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes referred to as “labor practice”- with the same meaning. Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause cervix dilation, but they may contribute to cervical softening.

What do you think are the Symptoms of Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are commonly described by some women as a tightening in their stomach that keeps coming and going. Many people often compare them to mild menstruation cramps. Although Braxton Hicks contractions are quite unpleasant, they do not cause labor or open the cervix.

Braxton Hicks contractions, unlike actual labor, are not too bad, they are okay. Normally, they are not that painful. It does not have a consistent pattern. The contractions do not get closer as time goes on, they do not last long, and they do not get stronger with time. They may come to an end when you change activities or positions. They are only felt in your stomach and then it starts to slowly fade away. Braxton Hicks contractions can occur as early as the second trimester or as late as the third trimester. You do not have to be too concerned about it.

Now you may want to know what real labour contractions are

When your body releases the hormone named oxytocin, which pushes your uterus to contract, you will experience real contractions. Real contractions begin for many women around the 40th week of pregnancy. Premature labour is defined as real contractions that begin before the 37th week. These are a sign that your body is about to give birth.

Real contractions tighten the top section of your uterus in preparation for delivery. It is pushing the baby downward towards the birth canal. They also thin your cervix to make it easier for your baby to pass through. A wave has been used to describe the sensation of a genuine contraction. The pain begins slowly, builds to a crescendo, and then fades away. While you are having contractions, if you touch your abdomen, it may feel hard.

When your contractions are evenly spaced (for example, five minutes apart) and the time between them gets shorter and shorter, you are in genuine labour (three minutes apart, then two minutes, then one). Over time, real contractions become more strong and painful.

How can you identify the difference between the two?

Braxton-Hicks:

These contractions are a type of contraction that occurs when the uterus contracts.

• When will they begin: It can happen as early as the second trimester, although it happens more frequently in the third trimester.
• How frequently do they come: From time to time, and with no discernible pattern.
• How long are they going to last: From under 30 seconds to over 2 minutes.
• How does it feel: Tightening or squeezing sensation, but typically not painful.

Real contractions

• When will they begin: After you have reached your 37th week of pregnancy (if they come earlier, this can be a sign of preterm labor)
• How frequently do they come: At regular intervals, they get closer and closer in time.
• How long are they going to last: Between 30 and 70 seconds
• How does it feel: It feels like a tightening or cramping that occurs in waves, beginning in the stomach.

Do the contractions shift when you move?

In false labour: When you move or rest, your contractions may stop. If you shift positions, they might go away.

In true labour: Contractions continue to happen regardless of if you move, change positions, or try to sleep.

How strong do you think they are?

In false labour: Contractions are usually light and do not progress much. Alternatively, they could start out strong and subsequently deteriorate.

In true labour: Consistently stronger contractions.

What part of your body hurts the most?

In false labour: for false labour you mostly just feel it in the front of your abdomen or in your pelvis.

In true labour: Contractions may begin in your lower back and progress to the front of your abdomen if you are in true labour. Alternatively, they could begin in your abdomen and progress to your back.

If you are having contractions, here is what you should do:

Braxton Hicks contractions appear more frequently and are called Braxton-Hicks. However, if they are beginning to appear on a regular basis, set a timer for about an hour. If they become stronger or closer together, you are in full-fledged labour.

It is most definitely time to grab your stuff and head to the hospital when they are more recent that is around five or six minutes apart.

Call your doctor or even go to the hospital where you are having your delivery even if you are not sure if you are in labour. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, it is best to seek medical treatment.

If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, your contractions are particularly severe, or your water has broken, you should go to the hospital right away.

What can trigger Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are most commonly caused by dehydration. Other potential triggers include:

• You can have nausea and vomiting; they are symptoms of a sickness.
• The movement of the foetus is a trigger
• The activity of the mother, particularly lifting something or having sex

What other contractions or pain can you have?

You can also have round ligament pain. Round ligament pain occurs during pregnancy and is defined as a sharp, shooting pain on the sides of your belly. The ligaments that support your uterus and link to your pelvis stretch as your uterus expands, causing this.

Standing up, rolling over, coughing, sneezing, or even urinating are all a few common causes of round ligament pain. It is possible for the ache to spread to your groyne. It usually only lasts a few seconds or minutes.

If you have round ligament pain and you want to relieve it, you can do the following:

• Make a position or activity change. It might be beneficial to lie on the opposite side.
• When you stand or roll over, keep your belly supported and slow down your pace.
• Rest as much as possible. A hot bath or a heating pad may be quite beneficial.

How to treat Braxton Hicks Contractions

There is nothing you can do to stop the contractions. If they are making you feel uneasy, consider one of these suggestions:

• Make sure you drink plenty of water.
• Try taking a stroll. When you change positions or get up and move, false labour contractions usually stop.
• Taking a nap and resting up is important, especially if you have been active.
• Take a warm bath or listen to soothing music to unwind.
• Get yourself a good massage.

Contractions are a symptom that you are in labour. Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful, and they do not result in a baby being born.

When you should visit a doctor

Knowing how to distinguish between several types of contractions can assist a person in determining when to seek medical attention. If you are unsure, though, seek medical advice.

True contractions indicate the start of labour, and calling a doctor is crucial. Contractions are more likely to be real if they follow a predictable pattern and grow in frequency with time. Real contractions can be unpleasant, and the pain can spread throughout the belly and lower back.

Other indicators that labour has begun including:

• a vivid red colour of vaginal bleeding
• when your water breaks

The baby may migrate down near the cervix as labour approaches. This can occur anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours before labour. A rise in vaginal discharge, which can occur days before birth, is another sign.

It is critical to see a doctor if you are having frequent, painful contractions before the third trimester. This could be an indication of a premature birth.

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually more intense and follow a predictable pattern, but real contractions do not. Real contractions normally cause pain in the abdomen, lower back, and sometimes the legs for some women. Understanding the differences between types of contractions can be aided by recognising other indicators of labor, such as the breaking of the water. If you notice any signs of labour or have any doubts, call your doctor right away.